Australia firmly with Bangladesh to find a solution to Rohingya crisis: Envoy
Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Jeremy Bruer on Thursday said his country remains strongly committed to finding a solution to the Rohingya crisis and help Bangladesh manage the situation.
"We remain strongly committed," he said, adding that Australia will continue to help Bangladesh and the host community.
The Australian High Commissioner was addressing at "DCAB Talk" organized by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) virtually.
DCAB President Pantho Rahaman and its General Secretary AKM Moinuddin also spoke at the event.
The High Commissioner said the Rohingya issue is a massive humanitarian crisis, and Australia will continue to help Bangladesh's efforts towards a solution.
Highlighting Australia's commitment in humanitarian and disaster response, he said Australia has provided over $270 million in humanitarian assistance to Rohingya and host communities in Cox's Bazar since 2017.
"We provided $79.7 million last year [2020-21], including $10 million in emergency assistance following the recent fire in the camps," said the envoy.
High Commissioner Bruer highlighted the growing relationship between Australia and Bangladesh and hoped that it will be strengthened further as the two countries are set to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations next year.
On Wednesday, Bangladesh and Australia signed Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement or TIFA to open more opportunities between the two countries.